Changing Mat

ABSTRACT

A changing mat for changing a child&#39;s diaper. The changing mat has a pair of flaps laterally attached to a rectangular base component. The rectangular base component is foldable into a compact shape for storage that is securable with an attached strap. The pair of flaps are extendable perpendicularly away from the rectangular base and held in place at approximately 90 degrees via a plurality of hinges connecting each of the flaps to the rectangular base component. The changing mat also has an extendable component with a pocket longitudinally attached to a top of the rectangular base component.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/964,686 filed on Jan. 23, 2020.

BACKGROUND

Parents and guardians often find themselves in situations where they mayhave to change their child's diaper while away from home. Without easyaccess to a changing table, the child may have to sit in a soiled diaperlonger than anticipated. Some places, such as strollers, park benches,or even the ground or a floor may be used as makeshift improvisedchanging surfaces. However, this can be extremely unsanitary,inconvenient, and lacking in privacy. The underlying surface, such asthe carrying compartment of a stroller, may also easily become soiledduring the diaper changing process. Further, some children may beuncomfortable getting a diaper change in a stroller due to excessivesunlight exposure and lack of privacy.

Many public restrooms now have public changing tables should a parentneed to change their child's diaper when away from home. These aretypically made of hard plastic materials and rest on hinges so that theycan be folded back into a wall when not in use. Most parents still oftenprefer to provide some kind of extra barrier or padding before theyplace their child directly on the table. Additionally, these changingtables typically need to be first wiped down or cleaned to ensure thatthe child is not exposed to unsanitary conditions from a previous user.These changing tables are also typically not enclosed in a stall so thatthe changing process lacks privacy, even in a restroom. Anyone else inthe restroom would be able to observe the diaper changing process.

Accordingly, there is a great need for a uniquely designed baby changingmat. The present invention provides a portable changing mat that permitsa parent or guardian to change their child's diaper in public in a safeand sanitary manner while providing some privacy as well.Advantageously, the present invention provides a diaper changing surfacewhen deployed that folds up and collapses into a compact configurationfor storage and portability when not in use. The changing mat hasbuilt-in privacy protection that shields the baby from unwantedattention when changing a diaper. Additionally, the changing mat isconfigured to retain some diaper changing supplies, such as a sparediaper, wipes, or the like for convenience.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,comprises a changing mat usable as a portable diaper changing station.The changing mat comprises a rectangular base component, an extendablecomponent, and a pair of flaps. The rectangular base component comprisesa plurality of folded sections, a top surface, and a back side. Theplurality of folded sections comprises a head section, a body section,and a foot section. The changing mat further comprises a securing strapattached to the back side for securing the changing mat when in a foldedposition.

The extendable component is attached to the head section along a seamand extends longitudinally away from the head section when deployed. Theextendable component comprises a pocket and a closure element. Thepocket opens typically along a lateral edge of the extendable componentfor receiving and retaining diaper changing supplies. The closureelement is openable and closable to permit access to the retainedsupplies as needed.

The pair of flaps are each laterally attached to the body section andthe foot section of the plurality of folded sections along a seam. Eachflap may comprise a semi-rigid perimeter configured to support the flapwhen unfolded into a vertical orientation. The pair of flaps arerotatably attached to the rectangular base component via a plurality ofhinges. Each flap is rotatable perpendicularly from the rectangular basecomponent up to approximately 90 degrees to the vertical orientation.The semi-rigid perimeter of each flap is rotatably attached to the bodysection of the plurality of foldable sections by one of the plurality ofhinges, and to the foot section of the plurality of foldable sections byanother one of the plurality of hinges.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a changing mat for use as aportable diaper changing station for a baby in a deployed position inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the changing mat in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the changing mat in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the changing mat inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one of a pair of sides of thechanging table attached to a rectangular base component of the changingtable in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one of a pair of sides of thechanging table attached to the rectangular base component in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one of a plurality of hingesrotatably connecting one of a pair of sides of the changing tab to therectangular base component in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates an overhead view of the changing mat in a partiallydeployed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an extendable component of thechanging table in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of the changingtable in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the changing mat in a foldedposition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the changing mat in use in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a unique device that can attach toopposite sides of a stroller via a pair of magnetic handle attachmentsof hook and loop fastener straps which enable a shield to be firmlyconnected to each handle. The device maximizes comfort and privacy forthe child while in the stroller by ensuring that the child cannot beseen by oncoming pedestrians, nor disturbed by bright sunlight. Thedevice may include a mat capable of supporting the shield that allows achild to be changed in a public area that does not have access to achanging area. The changing mat collapses into a compact configurationfor storage purposes when not in use.

The device may include a collapsible privacy partition attachment forstrollers. The shield may be an accordion-style attachment capable ofeasily being expanded and contracted. A pair of durable magneticfasteners may be disposed on opposite ends. The fasteners may be matedwith a molded handle attachment installed on opposite sides of thestroller. In that way the shield is attached over the seat area of thestroller. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners may be used to securethe shield.

Users can expand the shield and attach it to the stroller via themagnetic connection. The shield is positional over the child offeringprivacy while in the stroller. The partition covers a bottom half of thechild enabling the child to be changed in the stroller without exposingthe child's bottom. A mat is included under the shield. The shield canbe attached to the mat, allowing the mat to function as a portable andprivate changing area while away from home and independent of thestroller. The exact size, measurement, construction, and designspecifications may vary dependent on the needs of the user.

In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, a changing mat 100 foruse as a portable diaper changing station is disclosed. The changing mat100 may be used in or out of a stroller as desired. The changing mat 100comprises a rectangular base component 102, an extendable component 140,and a pair of flaps 146. The changing mat 100 may be manufactured fromcloth, fabric, plastic, polyester, or water resistant materials.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, the rectangular base component 102comprises a top surface 120 and a back side 126. As illustrated in FIG.3, the top surface 120 and a back side 126 are joined by a perimeter104. The perimeter 104 may be constructed by over-sewing the back side126 onto the top surface 120. The top surface 120 and the back side 126may be manufactured from the same or from different materials and may bewashable. Additionally, the top surface 120 may comprise a removable padlayer (not shown) that is attachable to the back side 120 via anattachment element (not shown), such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps,buttons, zippers, or the like. This would be desirable in the event thatthe top surface 120 became soiled and required cleaning in a washingmachine.

The perimeter 104 of the rectangular base component 102 defines a pairof sides 106, a top 108, and a bottom 110. The perimeter 104 in oneconfiguration may have rounded corners 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1,the rectangular base component 102 further comprises a plurality offoldable sections 114. The plurality of foldable sections 114 maycomprise a head section 114(a), a body section 114(b), and a footsection 114(c). This allows the changing mat 100 to fold up in a foldedposition as illustrated in FIG. 11 where the head section 114(a) andfoot section 114(c) fold over the body section 114(b). The changing mat100 further comprises a securing strap 128. The securing strap 128 isattachable to the back side 126 and is configured to encompass andretain the changing mat 100 in the folded configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9, the extendable component 130comprises a pocket 142 and a closure element 144. The extendablecomponent 130 is attached to one of the foldable sections 114. In oneembodiment, the extendable component 130 is longitudinally attached to atop of the head section 114(a) along a seam 140. The seam 140 allows theextendable component 130 to fold inward over the head section 114(a) forstorage when not in use, and outward approximately 180 degrees away fromthe head section 114(a) when in use.

The pocket 142 may open along a lateral side of the extendable component130 as illustrated, or from the top as desired. The pocket 142 isconfigured to receive and retain baby changing supplies, such as a fewdiapers, a slim pack of baby wipes, hand sanitizer, or the like. Theclosure element 144 may comprise a fastener, such as a hook and loopfastener, snaps, buttons, a zipper, or the like. The closure element isopenable and closable to permit access to the retained supplies asneeded.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the pair of flaps 146 islaterally attached to at least a portion of the plurality of foldablesections 114 of the rectangular base component 102 along a seam 152.Typically, each of the pair of flaps 146 is attached to the body section114(b) and the foot section 114(c) of the plurality of foldable sections114 on either side 106 of the rectangular base component 102. Each ofthe pair of flaps 146 comprise a perimeter 148. The perimeter 148 issemi-rigid, such as a sewn in elastic strip. The perimeter 148 of eachflap 146 in one configuration may have rounded corners 150 similar tothe rectangular base component 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the changing mat 100 further comprises aplurality of hinges 154. The plurality of hinges 154 are configured torotatably attach the pair of flaps 146 to the rectangular base component102. As such, the pair of flaps 146 are laterally attached to therectangular base component 102 via the plurality of hinges 154. Thehinges 154 are typically elastic hinges or flexible plastic hinges butmay be any other type of hinge as desired as well. For example, fixedrotatable hinges that click in place at a plurality of positions may beused. Additionally, the plurality of hinges 154 may be fixable at aplurality of positions. For example, the mat could have a plurality ofsnaps attached to the side and one on the elastic to support thedifferent positions.

To use the changing mat 100, the user releases the securing strap 128when the changing mat 100 is in the folded position and unfolds theplurality of foldable sections 114. Next, the extendable component 130is extended, and the pocket 142 may be opened to access supplies. Eachflap 146 typically has two hinges 154 for rotating the associated flap146 outward into a vertical orientation so that each of the pair offlaps 146 rotate approximately perpendicularly to the rectangular basecomponent 102. The pair of flaps 146 will then stay in the verticalorientation to provide privacy due to a combination of the plurality ofhinges 154 and the semi-rigid perimeters 148. Once the baby has beenchanged, the pair of flaps 146 are folded back inward over therectangular base component 102 as the plurality of hinges 154 arecollapsed. Then the extendable component 130 is folded back inward andthe plurality of foldable sections 114 are folded. Finally, the securingstrap 128 is used to secure the changing mat 100 in the folded position.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A changing mat comprising: a rectangular basecomponent comprising a plurality of foldable sections; an extendablecomponent attached to one of the foldable sections; and a pair of flapsrotatably attached to the rectangular base component via a plurality ofhinges.
 2. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein the extendable componentis longitudinally attached to a head section of the plurality of foldedsections.
 3. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair offlaps are laterally attached to the rectangular base component along aseam.
 4. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flapsare attached to a body section and a foot section of the plurality offoldable sections.
 5. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of thepair of flaps comprise a semi-rigid perimeter.
 6. The changing mat ofclaim 1, wherein the extendable component comprises a pocket.
 7. Thechanging mat of claim 6, wherein the extendable component furthercomprises a closure element.
 8. The changing mat of claim 1 furthercomprising a securing strap attached to a back side of the rectangularbase component.
 9. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofhinges are elastic hinges.
 10. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein eachof the plurality of hinges are fixable at a plurality of positions. 11.The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of flaps arerotated via two hinges.
 12. The changing mat of claim 1, wherein each ofthe pair of flaps rotate perpendicularly to the rectangular basecomponent.
 13. A changing mat comprising: a rectangular base componentcomprising a head section, a body section, and a foot section; anextendable component longitudinally attached to the head section; and apair of flaps laterally attached to the rectangular base component via apair of hinges.
 14. The changing mat of claim 13, wherein the extendablecomponent comprises a pocket.
 15. The changing mat of claim 14, whereinthe extendable component further comprises a closure element.
 16. Thechanging mat of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of flaps comprise asemi-rigid perimeter.
 17. The changing mat of claim 13, wherein each ofthe hinges are elastic hinges.
 18. The changing mat of claim 13, whereineach of the pair of flaps rotate perpendicularly to the rectangular basecomponent.
 19. A changing mat for use as a portable diaper changingstation, the changing mat comprising: a rectangular base componentcomprising a head section, a body section, and a foot section; anextendable component comprising a pocket longitudinally attached to thehead section; and a pair of flaps laterally attached to the body sectionand the foot section via a plurality of elastic hinges.
 20. The changingmat of claim 19, wherein the changing mat is water resistant.